"Probably the most viable skill that we have in our job on the Space Station is really getting along with others," he said. "My experience at the EMBA Global program, specifically Columbia, helped with that. I had some tremendously powerful and influential instructors who taught me [a lot] when it came to leadership."

"Leadership is a continual learning process—we are always learning, whether it's in a business scenario or here on [the] Space Station," he said. "One of the things the MBA did for me was reaffirm that."

(Photo: BBC)

A session attendee asked Kopra whether his perception of the world has changed after seeing it from a distance "without borders."

According to the Columbia, Kopra said one can get a "very physical sense" of how interconnected the world is: he can see the globe being crisscrossed by networks of interlocking roads and watch ships traveling from one port to another.

In a nod to his School, Kopra added, "Business is one tremendous way that we are able to experience some of that interconnection and have some common bonds."

"One of the main things we do is try to understand the impacts of zero gravity on the human body—a lot of negative impacts. In large measure, we're an experiment. We exercise a couple hours every day, it's mitigation for loss of bone density and muscle mass."

This blog showcases the latest thought leadership, musings, and views from Columbia's diverse and opinionated alumni community. It does not necessarily reflect the position or viewpoints of the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) or Columbia University.